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Modern culture tends to view the aging process as a disease. In reality, growing older actually provides distinct advantages, such as the maturity and wisdom gained through experiencing life. These benefits, however, are sometimes negated by a decline in the ability to think and remember clearly. Losing mental acuity is not inevitable as people age, and in fact may be forestalled completely by discovering how to increase your brain power.

Although some individuals experience no overt age-related mental decline, others show beginning symptoms as early as their forties. Even when disease is not present, the passage of time may affect cognitive and memory skills. Many complain of so-called senior moments of forgetfulness, and find that concentration and learning is not longer as simple and effortless as it used to be.

In order to fully function, the body needs the benefits of exercise. This does not mean entering a marathon, but rather engaging daily in simple activities such as walking whenever possible. Increasing blood circulation delivers more oxygen, and helps to eliminate confused thinking, or poor concentration. A lifestyle that includes hours of watching mindless TV programs negates this advantage.

Daily exercise is most helpful in combination with mental activities known to create new neural networks. Rather than being tedious or a burden, they should include hobbies enjoyed throughout life, such as creating art or music, reading books, writing, or simply completing a difficult crossword puzzle without assistance. Scientists now know that the active brain never stops creating new connections.

Excellent nutrition is also vital, and helps improve problem-solving and concentration. Choline, for example, is found in foods including eggs, soy products, beef, brown rice, fish, and oatmeal, and helps create and retain new memories. In stark contrast, many patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease are found to have much lower than normal levels.

Many of those same foods are a source of vitamin B-12, important for renewal of the sheathing around nerve cells. A simple blood test can determine if there is a deficiency, and a doctor may recommend taking supplements. In addition, folic and amino acids are required for the best mental function, as are complex carbohydrates found in natural fruit and unrefined grains.

Learning how to increase your brain power does not require great physical stress, but only consistency. Just as unused muscles atrophy, the passive mind deteriorates. Even simple memory games can make a great difference, and may help forestall aging-related depression. By maintaining empowering nutrition levels and avoiding inactivity, most people can remain sharp well into their senior years.